Public invited to virtual Governing Body meeting
Taking place via videoconferencing platform Zoom, the meeting on Thursday 19 November at 10am is a chance for people with an interest in local healthcare to hear from, and put questions to, local clinicians as well as the executive team leading the CCG.
Among the items being considered at the next meeting is the CCG’s communication and engagement strategy, which lays out how the organisation intends to inform and involve local people on the healthcare available in their local area.
The detailed strategy includes information on the CCG’s newly-formed Our Health Our Future citizens’ panel, which is an interactive arena where up to 1,000 members of the local community can have their say on current health and care issues.
Julian Kirby, Lay Member for Patient and Public Engagement, said:
“It is a shame that our meetings of the Governing Body have to take place online as we would prefer to be able to speak directly to the very people we plan and buy healthcare services for.
“However, moving the meetings online has enabled us to open the floor to a much larger audience, and I very much hope that residents from all areas of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will join us in discussing matters that affect our community.
“These meetings are not for the CCG to tell the community about health and care provision in the area, but are an opportunity to form a conversation, in which constructive dialogue can have a real impact on how local healthcare is delivered.”
Ask a question
A key component of each Governing Body meeting is the public question session, which allows local people to receive answers on the issues of healthcare important to them, their families and their communities.
Questions for this part of the meeting must be submitted in writing at least three working days before the meeting takes place.
This ensures that detailed answers can be provided even if the relevant specialist or expert is not present at the meeting. Any person who would like to ask a question at the meeting on Thursday 19 November should email the CCG no later than 5pm on Monday 16 November using bswccg.communications@nhs.net.
Additionally, this email address should also be used to request attendance at the meeting, and to receive the online joining instructions and meeting papers.
More information about the CCG can be found online at www.bswccg.nhs.uk, while details of how to join the citizens’ panel can be obtained by sending an email to bswccg.engagement@nhs.net.
